Shinty: Camanachd Cup holders braced for Newtonmore test

The An Aird outfit have been the competition's dominant force in recent years, with four wins in a row and eight televised finals in succession.

Last year, Innes was the hero; his winner coming in the last minute in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Kingussie.

However, if Fort are to continue their glory run this year they will first have to get past Premier League champions Newtonmore today.

Norman MacArthur's men are equally desperate for Camanachd Cup success and Innes knows that this round two tie at the Eilan is almost a final in itself.

"Obviously, if we can win this tie, it would be the aim of everyone at the club to get to another final but we know this is going to be really tough for us. Newtonmore have a long history in the Camanachd Cup but their current team have never won it so they have a huge desire," he said.

"For us, the Camanachd Cup has been the competition we have managed to do well in in recent times and no one can take away our record. However, numbers don't mean anything. This will all be about the 90 minutes and I think it is too close to call."

Without doubt, this tie is the clash of the round. Last year's finalists Kingussie face Taynuilt and will expect to progress to the later stages.